Resignation Letter Template

From LoveToKnow Business

Using a resignation letter template as a guide can be very helpful for anyone who is looking for the right way to document formal notice that he or she is ending employment.

Purpose of a Resignation Letter

No matter why you are choosing to leave your current job, it is important to follow proper business etiquette for terminating employment. It's standard to give your employer two weeks notice when you decide to quit. When you notify your supervisor or company's HR department that you are leaving your position, you need to turn in a formal resignation letter along with any verbal notification that you provide.

Writing Resignation Letters

Content

Your letter of resignation should plainly and clearly state your intentions without editorial comments or remarks. Maintaining professional communication standards is of utmost importance, even when you are leaving a job. The letter of resignation that you turn in will become part of your personnel record and is likely to be viewed by many people. It should not contain editorial remarks about why you are leaving or any negative feelings or information about your boss or the company.

The letter you write shouldn't contain any information that could make it difficult for a company representative to make a positive statement about your professionalism. Keep in mind that you may someday need a reference or recommendation from someone at the organization you are leaving, or you may even want to apply for a position at the company in the future.

Begin the letter with a statement that you have decided to leave your current position and specify that the purpose of the letter is to serve as your two week's notice. In the body of the letter, express appreciation for the opportunity to have worked with the organization. It is not necessary to include any information about your plans or reason for leaving, but you may do so if you wish and if it is appropriate to share the information. It's traditional to end a letter of resignation on a positive note, with a statement indicating that you wish continued success for the company.

Format

As with any professional document, a resignation letter template should be formatted using an appropriate business letter style. Use an inside address, professional greeting, arrange the content in short paragraphs, end with a professional closing, and sign the printed document. Keep a copy for yourself and place the original in an envelope to submit to the appropriate company representative.

Submitting the Letter

Submit in a hard copy of your letter of resignation to the appropriate person or people in your organization. The proper procedure for resigning may vary from one company to another. Typically, employees are ask to turn in formal notice to either their immediate supervisor, the department head, or to a specified individual in the human resources department.